TEHRAN – Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh says the Islamic Republic opposes any change in the Caucasus geopolitics, suggesting that security in the region should be provided by the regional countries.

“The security in the region should be provided through interaction and cooperation between regional countries, and Tehran is sensitive toward the intervention by extra-regional countries,” Nasirzadeh said in a meeting with his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan in Tehran on Tuesday.

Insisting on the territorial integrity of countries and Tehran’s opposition to any foreign intervention, the defense chief also said, “There is ill-will behind certain (foreign) interventions that can disrupt regional stability.”

Brigadier General Nasirzadeh also described the ties between Iran and Armenia as deep and strong while pointing to historical, civilizational, and societal affinities between the Iranian and Armenian nations.

The defense minister also thanked Armenia for condemning the joint Israeli and U.S. war on Iran in June 2025.

The top Iranian military official also said that defense cooperation between Iran and Armenia is in line with the efforts to consolidate ties and promote regional security.

Elsewhere in his remarks, Nasirzadeh indirectly pointed to a potential military strike on Iran by the U.S. over Tehran’s nuclear program, saying the Islamic Republic is not seeking war, but is ready to strongly defend itself against any “imposed” war.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war, but if a war is imposed, it will defend itself with strong force and will give an unforgettable lesson to the enemies,” the defense chief asserted.

For his part, the Armenian defense minister highlighted the historical ties between Iran and Armenia as two neighbors and said promoting cooperation between the sides in different areas, especially in defense field, is highly significant.

Suren Papikyan also praised Iran’s support for security and stability in the region, especially the border between the two countries.

He also said, “Armenia will never be a ‘source’ of danger to its historical neighbor (Iran) and believes that Iran’s stability will guarantee stability in the region.”

In his official visit to Tehran, Papikyan also held talks with the chief of Iran’s armed forces.  

“I met with the chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi,” Papikyan wrote on Facebook, Armenian News reported.

“During the meeting, we discussed a number of matters related to Armenia-Iran defense cooperation and regional security,” Papikyan added.

****************Caption: Iranian Defense Minister Nasirzadeh (R) welcomes his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan at the Iranian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics.